Valve trim having adjustable fluid flow characteristics and related methods

ABSTRACT

Valve trim and related methods are described. An example valve trim includes a cage defining a body having a bore to receive a valve plug. The cage includes a first passageway through a side surface of the body. The first passageway has an axis that is non-parallel relative to a longitudinal axis of the bore. A valve seat is to receive the cage. The valve seat has a first projection defining a first opening. The cage to be positioned relative to the valve seat in a first orientation to align the first opening and the first passageway to provide a first flow characteristic. The cage to be positioned relative to the valve seat in a second orientation to offset an alignment between the first projection and the first passageway to provide a second flow characteristic different than the first flow characteristic.

CROSS-REFERENCE TO RELATED APPLICATION

This patent arises from a continuation of U.S. patent application Ser.No. 16/384,402, filed on Apr. 15, 2019, which is hereby incorporatedherein by reference in its entirety.

FIELD OF THE DISCLOSURE

This disclosure relates generally to fluid valves and, moreparticularly, to valve trim having adjustable fluid flow characteristicsand related methods

BACKGROUND

Control valves are often used in industrial processes such as, forexample, oil and gas pipeline distribution systems and chemicalprocessing plants to control flow of process fluids. Control valvesoften employ a valve trim including a cage having one or more openingsto alter a fluid flow pattern to provide a desired fluid flowcharacteristic through the valve.

SUMMARY

An example valve trim includes a cage defining a body having a bore toreceive a valve plug. The cage includes a first passageway through aside surface of the body. The first passageway has an axis that isnon-parallel relative to a longitudinal axis of the bore. A valve seatis to receive the cage. The valve seat has a first projection defining afirst opening. The cage to be positioned relative to the valve seat in afirst orientation to align the first opening and the first passageway toprovide a first flow characteristic. The cage to be positioned relativeto the valve seat in a second orientation to offset an alignment betweenthe first projection and the first passageway to provide a second flowcharacteristic different than the first flow characteristic.

In another example, valve includes a cage having a longitudinal bore toreceive a valve stem. The cage includes a first passageway having anaxis that is non-parallel relative to the longitudinal bore. A valveseat has a first projection extending in a direction toward the cage.The cage positionable relative to the valve seat between a firstposition at which the first passageway is partially obstructed by thefirst projection to provide a first fluid flow characteristic throughthe first passageway and a second position at which the first passagewayis unobstructed to provide a second fluid flow characteristic throughthe first passageway different than the first fluid flow characteristic.

In yet another example, a valve trim includes a valve seat structured tobe positioned in a fluid flow passageway of a valve body. The valve seathas a projection extending from a seating surface of the valve seat, theprojection formed adjacent a circumferential edge of the valve seat andabout a portion of a circumference of the valve seat. A cage isstructured to be positioned in the valve body. The cage defines a boreformed along a longitudinal axis of the cage and a first opening formedthrough a side surface of the cage. The cage is to slidably receive avalve plug at a first end of the bore and to at least partially receivea portion of the projection of the valve seat at a second end of thebore opposite the first end. The cage being positionable relative to theprojection of the valve seat in different orientations to providedifferent fluid flow characteristics through the fluid flow passagewayof the valve body.

BRIEF DESCRIPTION OF THE DRAWINGS

FIG. 1 illustrates an example control valve constructed in accordancewith the teachings of this disclosure.

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of an example fluid valve taken alongline 2-2 of FIG. 1 shown in an example closed position.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the example fluid valve of FIGS. 1-2shown in an example open position.

FIG. 4 is an exploded, perspective view of an example valve trim ofFIGS. 1-3.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the example valve trim of FIGS. 1-4.

FIG. 6 is a front view of the example valve trim of FIGS. 1-5 configuredto provide a first flow characteristic.

FIG. 7 is a front view of the valve trim of FIGS. 1-5 configured toprovide a second flow characteristic.

FIG. 8A is a cross-sectional, perspective view of an example valve bodyof FIGS. 1-3.

FIG. 8B is a bottom, cross-sectional view of the example valve bodytaken alone line 8B-8B of FIG. 3 and showing the example valve trimcoupled to the example valve body.

FIG. 8C is a top, cross-sectional view of the example valve body ofFIGS. 1-3 showing the example valve trim coupled to the example valvebody.

FIG. 9 is a partial cross-sectional, perspective view of the examplevalve body and the example valve trim when the example valve trim is inthe example first orientation.

FIG. 10 is a partial cross-sectional, perspective view of the examplevalve body and the example valve trim when the example valve trim is inthe example second orientation.

FIGS. 11A-11D are schematic illustration representative of an examplemethod 1100 to configure the example valve trim between the examplefirst flow characteristic and the second flow characteristic 700.

FIGS. 12A-12G are various views of an example cage of the example valvetrim of FIGS. 1-7, 8A-8C, 9, 10, and 11A-11D. FIG. 12A is a perspectiveview of the example cage. FIG. 12B is a front view of FIG. 12A. FIG. 12Cis a left side view of FIG. 12A. FIG. 12D is a right side view of FIG.12A. FIG. 12E is a rear view of FIG. 12A. FIG. 12F is a top view of FIG.12A. FIG. 12G is a bottom view of FIG. 12A.

FIGS. 13A-13G are various views of an example valve seat of the examplevalve trim of FIGS. 1-7, 8A-8C, 9, 10, and 11A-11D. FIG. 13A is aperspective view of the example cage. FIG. 13B is a front view of FIG.13A. FIG. 13C is a left side view of FIG. 13A. FIG. 13D is a right sideview of FIG. 13A. FIG. 13E is a rear view of FIG. 13A. FIG. 13F is a topview of FIG. 13A. FIG. 13G is a bottom view of FIG. 13A.

DETAILED DESCRIPTION

To accommodate different process flow demands, control valves can beconfigured to provide various fluid flow characteristics. In someexamples, a flow characteristic is based on a relationship betweencontrol valve fluid flow capacity and valve plug (e.g., stem) travel,which is commonly referred to as an inherent flow characteristic of acontrol valve. To provide a desired flow capacity and valve plug travelratio, control valves employ a valve trim apparatus. The different valvetrim apparatus can be selected to affect how a capacity of a controlvalve changes as a flow control member of the valve moves through acomplete stroke or travel. Thus, different valve trim apparatus can beemployed to meet a variety of control application needs and/or flowcharacteristics. However, employing different valve trim apparatus toachieve different fluid flow characteristics increases manufacturingcosts.

Example valve trim and related methods disclosed herein provideadjustable fluid flow characteristics (e.g., inherent fluid flowcharacteristics). For example, a single valve trim apparatus disclosedherein can be configured to provide multiple different fluid flowcharacteristics. In this manner, a single valve trim apparatus (e.g., acage and a valve seat) can be used to provide a first fluid flowcharacteristic (e.g., a linear fluid characteristic) or a second fluidflow characteristic (e.g., an equal percentage fluid flowcharacteristic) different than the first fluid flow characteristic. As aresult, example valve trim disclosed herein significantly reducemanufacturing costs.

Example valve trim disclosed herein employ a cage and a valve seat (e.g.a seat ring). Specifically, an orientation of the cage relative to theseat ring defines a fluid flow characteristic of the example valve trimapparatus. For example, a fluid flow characteristic provided by anexample cage and the valve seat disclosed herein is based on an examplewindow geometry (e.g., a passageway) of the cage. To vary or change afluid flow characteristic of the example valve, an orientation of thecage relative to the valve seat is changed to vary or change a fluidflow path or window geometry of the valve trim. To vary the fluid flowpath or window geometry of the valve trim, a passageway or opening ofthe cage aligns with an overlapping obstruction or projection providedby or formed on the valve seat. In a first instance, to provide a firstflow characteristic, the cage is coupled to the valve seat in a firstorientation such that a passageway of the cage is at least partiallyobstructed or blocked by a projection (e.g., a prong, a wall, a finger,etc.) supported by the valve seat. In second instance, to provide asecond flow characteristic different than the first flow characteristic,the cage is coupled to the valve seat in a second orientation such thata passageway of the cage is clear of or unobstructed by (e.g., theprojection supported by) the valve seat. Different fluid flowcharacteristics can be provided based on a variation in a windowgeometry of the valve trim effected by an orientation of the cagerelative to the valve seat (e.g., a variation in a flow path defined bya positional relationship between the passageway of the cage and theobstruction of the valve seat). In some examples, the varying windowgeometry enables the valve trim apparatus disclosed herein to createdifferent flow characteristic options (e.g., linear andequal-percentage) using a single set of parts (e.g., a cage and a valveseat). For example, to modify the fluid flow characteristic of a controlvalve, a user of the control valve can simply change an orientation ofthe cage relative to the valve seat without having to purchaseadditional trim parts (e.g., a cage) and switching out one trim part foranother. Thus, example valve trim apparatus disclosed herein reduce thequantity of parts that would otherwise be manufactured to providemultiple different flow characteristics.

Example valve trim apparatus disclosed here can be configured to providea first flow characteristic, a second fluid flow characteristicdifferent than then the first flow characteristic, a third flowcharacteristic different than the first and second flow characteristics,etc. Example fluid flow characteristics can include, but are not limitedto, a linear flow characteristic (e.g., a flow capacity that increaseslinearly with valve stem travel), an equal percentage flowcharacteristic (e.g., flow capacity that increases exponentially withvalve trim travel), a modified parabolic characteristic (e.g., a flowcapacity that is approximately midway between linear andequal-percentage characteristics to provide fine throttling at low flowcapacity and approximately linear characteristics at higher flowcapacity), a quick opening flow characteristic (e.g., provides largechanges in flow for very small changes in valve stem travel), ahyperbolic flow characteristic, a square root flow characteristic,and/or any other flow characteristic(s).

FIG. 1 illustrates a control valve 100 constructed in accordance withthe teachings of this disclosure. The control valve 100 includes a fluidvalve 102 coupled to an actuator 104 via a bonnet 106. The actuator 104moves the fluid valve 102 between a closed position to prevent fluidflow through the fluid valve 102 and an open position to allow fluidflow through the fluid valve 102. The actuator 104 of the illustratedexample is a pneumatic diaphragm actuator. However, in other examples,the actuator 104 can be a piston actuator, a bellows actuator, anelectric actuator, and/or any other actuator. The control valve 100 ofthe illustrated example can be employed with various industrialprocesses (e.g., petrochemical applications, subsea applications, paperand pulp applications, etc.), high pressure differential applications,and/or any other application(s).

FIG. 2 is a cross-sectional view of the fluid valve 102 taken along line2-2 of FIG. 1. The fluid valve 102 includes a valve trim 200 inaccordance with teachings of this disclosure. The fluid valve 102includes a valve body 202 defining a fluid flow passageway 204 betweenan inlet 206 and an outlet 208. The valve body 202 includes a bore 210to receive the valve trim 200 and position the valve trim 200 in thefluid flow passageway 204. The valve trim 200 of the illustrated exampleis clamped in the valve body 202 via the bonnet 106 (FIG. 1). Forexample, the valve trim 200 of the illustrated example includes a valveseat 212 and a cage 214. For example, the valve seat 212 of theillustrated example includes an annular wall 216 (e.g., a shoulder) thatengages a wall or shoulder 218 of the valve body 202. A first end of thecage 214 engages (e.g., rests) on a shoulder defined by the annular wall216 of the valve seat 212. To retain the valve trim 200 in the valvebody 202, the bonnet 106 engages or clamps the cage 214 against thevalve seat 212. In other words, the valve seat 212 and the cage 214 areclamped between the bonnet 106 and the shoulder 218 of the valve body202. In some examples, the cage 214 can be integrally formed with, orattached to, the bonnet 106 and the valve seat 212 can be coupled (e.g.,fastened) to the cage 214 via fasteners (e.g., screws, etc.). In somesuch examples, the cage 214 and the valve seat 212 provide a hung-trimconfiguration. In some examples, the valve seat 212 can be fastened tothe valve body 202 via fasteners, threads and/or any other fastener(s).In some examples, the valve seat 212 may be integrally formed with thevalve body 202.

When positioned in the fluid flow passageway 204, the valve seat 212defines an orifice 222 of the fluid flow passageway 204 and the cage 214guides a flow control member 224 (e.g., a valve plug). The actuator 104(FIG. 1) operatively couples to the flow control member 224 via a valvestem 226. To control fluid flow through the orifice 222, the actuator104 (FIG. 1) moves the flow control member 224 between a first positionor a closed position 228 (e.g., as shown in FIG. 2) at which the flowcontrol member 224 sealingly engages a sealing surface 230 (e.g., a lip)of the valve seat 212 to prevent fluid flow through the fluid flowpassageway 204 and a second position or an open position (e.g., an openposition 300 of FIG. 3) at which the flow control member 224 disengagesfrom the sealing surface 230 of the valve seat 212 to allow fluid flowthrough the fluid flow passageway 204. In the closed position 228 ofFIG. 2, the valve stem 226 (e.g., via the actuator 104) is positioned ata first stroke position 232.

FIG. 3 is a cross-sectional view of the fluid valve 102 of FIGS. 1-2shown in an open position 300. In the open position 300, the valve stem226 (e.g., via the actuator 104 of FIG. 1) is at a second strokeposition 302. In the open position 300, the valve trim 200 of theillustrated example enables fluid to flow through fluid flow passageway204 between the inlet 206 and the outlet 208. Specifically, in the openposition 300, fluid flows through one or more windows or openings 304provided by the valve seat 212 and the cage 214 that fluidly couple theinlet 206 and the outlet 208. The openings 304 of the valve trim 200affect fluid flow to provide a fluid flow characteristic to fluidflowing through the fluid flow passageway 204. For example, the valvetrim 200 of the illustrated example defines a flow characteristic of thecontrol valve 100 based on a relationship between fluid flow capacityand valve stem travel (e.g. valve stem travel between the first strokeposition 232 of FIG. 2 and the second stroke position 302 of FIG. 3).The valve trim 200 affects how a flow capacity of the control valve 100changes as the flow control member 224 moves through a complete strokeor travel for a constant pressure drop across the fluid valve 102 (e.g.,inherent flow characteristics). In some examples, the openings 304provide means for characterizing or affecting fluid flow through thefluid flow passageway 204. The flow characteristic provided by the valvetrim 200 of the illustrated is based on a dimensional size and/orgeometric shape of (e.g., a flow path through) of the openings 304. Asdescribed in greater detail below, to vary or adjust the flowcharacteristics, the sizes of the openings 304 are varied by changing(e.g., clocking) an orientation of the cage 214 relative to the valveseat 212.

FIG. 4 is an exploded, perspective view of the valve trim 200 of FIGS.1-3. The cage 214 defines a body 402 having a side surface 404 and acentral bore 406 to slidably receive the flow control member 224. Thecentral bore 406 extends between a first end 408 of the body 402 and asecond end 410 of the body 402 opposite the first end 408. The body 402of the illustrated example is a cylinder. The cage 214 includes aplurality of passageways 412 (e.g., windows) through the side surface404 of the body 402. The passageways 412 are radially spaced relative toa longitudinal axis 414 of the central bore 406 of the cage 214.Specifically, the passageways 412 extend through the body 402 between aninner surface 416 of the cage 214 defined by the central bore 406 and anouter surface 418 defined by the side surface 404. Walls 420 separate(e.g., are positioned between) the plurality of passageways 412. Each ofthe passageways 412 extends along a portion of a longitudinal length ofthe body 402 of the cage 214 adjacent the first end 408. Each of thepassageways 412 has a varying geometry. For example, a first portion ofa passageway 412 a has a first dimensional width 422 and a secondportion of the passageway 412 a has a second dimensional width 424 thatis different (e.g., greater) than the first dimensional width 422. Insome examples, the passageways 412 have a T-shaped cross-sectionalshape. In some examples, the passageways 412 can have any other shapesuch as, for example, a square shape, a circular shape, an oblong orelliptical shape, etc.

The valve seat 212 of the illustrated example is a seat ring. The valveseat 212 defines a valve seat body 430 having a central bore 432defining the orifice 222 (FIG. 2) of the fluid flow passageway 204 (FIG.2). The valve seat 212 includes a plurality of prongs or projections434. Specifically, the projections 434 project toward the cage 214 froman upper surface 436 of the valve seat 212. The projections 434 having alongitudinal length configured to at least partially extend within thecentral bore 406 of the cage 214. In other words, the cage 214 slidablyreceives the flow control member 224 at the second end 410 of thecentral bore 406 of the cage 214 and at least partially receivesportions of the projections 434 of the valve seat 212 at the first end408 of the central bore 406.

The projections 434 define a plurality of first openings 440 and aplurality of second openings 442. The projections 434 of the illustratedexample are radially spaced relative to a longitudinal axis 444 of thevalve seat 212. For example, the projections 434 of the illustratedexample are radially spaced symmetrically at equal-distance intervals(e.g., 60 degrees apart). Respective ones of the first openings 440 arepositioned between the projections 434. Thus, the first openings 440 andthe second openings 442 are arranged in an alternating pattern. However,in some examples, the projections 434 can be spaced asymmetrically. Insome examples, the first openings 440 and the second openings 442 can beprovided in a non-alternating pattern (e.g., a random pattern).

Each of the first openings 440 of the illustrated example has a firstdimensional area and each of the second openings 442 has a seconddimensional area that is different (e.g., smaller than) the firstdimensional area of the first openings 440. In other words, a greatervolume of fluid can pass through the first openings 440 compared to thesecond openings 442. The first openings of the illustrated example havea U-shaped profile.

The projections 434 include a first set 434 a of projections 434defining a first set 442 a of the second openings 442 and a second set434 b of the projections 434 defining a second set 442 b of the secondopenings 442 different than the first set 442 a of the second openings442. A respective one of the first openings 440 is positioned between arespective one of the first set 434 a of the projections 434 and arespective one of the second set 434 b of the projections 434. The firstset 442 a of the second openings 442 of the illustrated example includeV-shaped openings and the second set 442 b of the second openings 442 ofthe illustrated example include Y-shaped openings. The first set 434 aof the projections 434 of the illustrated example includes threeprojections and the second set 434 b of the projections 434 of theillustrated example includes three projections. In some examples, thevalve seat 212 can be configured with the first set 434 a of projections434 (e.g., six projections 434 having the first set 442 a of the secondopenings 442) or the second set 434 b of the projections 434 (e.g., sixprojections 434 having the second set 442 b of the second openings 442).In some examples, the valve seat 212 can include projections and/oropenings having different shapes and/or profiles (e.g., rectangularopenings, circular openings, oblong openings, etc.). In some examples,the valve seat 212 includes one projection or obstruction structure andthe cage 214 includes one passageway 412.

As noted above, the flow characteristic of the fluid valve 102 isprovided by an orientation of the cage 214 relative to the valve seat212. To facilitate such orientation, the valve seat 212 of theillustrated example includes a locating slot 450 (e.g., a recess) tolocate or position the valve seat 212 relative to the valve body 202 ina predetermined position. The locating slot 450 is formed on an outersurface 430 a of the valve seat body 430 adjacent the annular wall 216.To orient or a position of the cage 214 in a predetermined position ororientation relative to the valve body 202 and/or the valve seat 212,the cage 214 of the illustrated example includes an orientation tab 452.The orientation tab 452 of the illustrated example projects from theouter surface 418 of the cage 214. In some examples, the valve trim 200does not include the locating slot 450 and/or the orientation tab 452.

FIG. 5 is a cross-sectional view of the valve trim 200 of FIG. 4. Asshown in FIG. 5, at least a portion of each of the projections 434(e.g., the prongs or fingers) extends into the central bore 406 of thecage 214. For example, the projections 434 have longitudinal lengthscapable of extending across at least portions of the passageways 412. Inthe illustrated example, each of the projections 434 has a longitudinallength configured to extend across at least portions of the passageways412 of the cage 214 when the valve seat 212 is coupled to the cage 214.In some examples, at least one of the projections 434 has a longitudinallength capable of extending across at least a portion of at least one ofthe passageways 412.

The walls 420 of the cage 214 adjacent the passageways 412 include anoffset profile 502 to receive the projections 434 when the cage 214couples to the valve seat 212. In other words, the walls 420 have afirst dimension 504 (e.g. a first thickness) and a second dimension 506(e.g., a second thickness) different (e.g., less) than the firstdimension 504. In this manner, respective ones of the projections 434nest within respective ones of the offset profiles 502 of the walls 420.As a result, an inner surface 508 of each of the projections 434defining the central bore 432 of the valve seat 212 is substantiallyflush relative to the inner surface 416 defining the central bore 406 ofthe cage 214. In other words, the central bore 406 of the cage 214 andthe central bore 432 of the valve seat 212 defined by the projections434 form a substantially unitary central opening 510 to slidably receivethe flow control member 224 between the second end 410 of the cage 214and the sealing surface 230 of the valve seat 212. As a result, theprojections 434 do not interfere with the flow control member 224 as theflow control member 224 moves between the open position 300 and theclosed position 228. The sealing surface 230 of the valve seat 212 ispositioned between a first end 512 of the valve seat 212 from which theprojections 434 extend and a second end 514 of the valve seat 212opposite the first end 512. Thus, the flow control member 224 of theillustrated example travels along the inner surfaces 416 and 504 of thecage 214 and the valve seat 212, respectively, to engage the sealingsurface 230 of the valve seat 212. The annular wall 216 of the valveseat 212 of the illustrated example defines a wall or shoulder 516 toengage (e.g., receive) the first end 408 of the cage 214 when the cage214 is coupled to the valve seat 212. Further, an outer surface 518 ofthe annular wall 216 of the valve seat 212 is substantially flushmounted relative to the outer surface 418 adjacent the first end 408 ofthe cage 214.

FIG. 6 is a front view of the valve trim of FIGS. 1-5 configured toprovide a first flow characteristic 600. The first flow characteristic600 of the illustrated example provides a linear flow characteristic fora given change in position of the flow control member 224 as the flowcontrol member 224 moves from the closed position 228 (FIG. 2) towardthe open position 300 (FIG. 3). The valve trim 200 provides the firstflow characteristic 600 when the cage 214 is positioned in a firstorientation 602 relative to the valve seat 212. To provide the firstflow characteristic, the cage 214 is positioned relative to the valveseat 212 such that respective ones of the first openings 440 align withrespective ones of the passageways 412 to define the openings 304 (e.g.,the windows) through which fluid flow can pass between the inlet 206 andthe outlet 208 of the fluid flow passageway 204. For example, theprojections 434 of the valve seat 212 are positioned adjacent thepassageways 412 of the cage 214. Thus, the openings 304 of the valvetrim 200 are formed or defined by the passageways 412 and the firstopenings 440 of the valve seat 212. In this manner, the passageways 412are not obstructed by (e.g., are clear or free of) the projections 434.In the first orientation 602, respective ones of the projections 434 ofthe valve seat 212 are in alignment with (e.g., nested within the offsetprofiles 502 of) respective ones of the walls 420 of the cage 214. Thus,the walls 420 block the second openings 442 to restrict or prevent fluidflow through the second openings 442. In this manner, the projections434 do not affect (e.g., decrease) a fluid flow area of the passageways412. In other words, the projections 434 of the valve seat 212 do notalter or affect a flow passageway (e.g., the openings 304) defined by ashape of a perimeter or cross-sectional area of the passageways 412.

FIG. 7 is a front view of the valve trim of FIGS. 1-5 configured toprovide a second flow characteristic 700 different than the first flowcharacteristic 600 of FIG. 6. For example, the second flowcharacteristic 700 provides an equal-percentage flow characteristic fora given change in position of the flow control member 224 as the flowcontrol member 224 moves from the closed position 228 (FIG. 2) towardthe open position 300 (FIG. 3). The valve trim 200 provides the secondflow characteristic 700 when the cage 214 is positioned in a secondorientation 702 relative to the valve seat 212 (e.g., different than thefirst orientation 602 of FIG. 6). To provide the second flowcharacteristic 700, the cage 214 is positioned relative to the valveseat 212 such that respective ones of the second openings 442 align withrespective ones of the passageways 412 of the cage 214 to defineopenings 704 (e.g., windows) of the valve trim 200 through which thefluid flow can pass between the inlet 206 and the outlet 208 of thefluid flow passageway 204. In the second orientation 702, respectiveones of the first openings 440 of the valve seat 212 are in alignmentwith (e.g., blocked by) respective ones of the walls 420 of the cage214. Thus, the walls 420 block the first openings 440 to restrict orprevent fluid flow through the first openings 440. In this manner,respective ones of the projections 434 obstruct (e.g., align with)respective ones of the passageways 412 to reduce a fluid flow passageway(e.g., a flow path of the opening 704) through which fluid can flowbetween the inlet 206 and the outlet 208. In other words, in the secondorientation 702, the projections 434 of the valve seat 212 alter oraffect a flow passageway (e.g., the openings 704) defined by a shape ofa perimeter or cross-sectional area of the passageways 412. In theillustrated example, the projections 434 reduce or decrease a fluid flowarea of the passageways 412 when the projections 434 align with thepassageways 412. In the second orientation 702, the openings 704 enablea different volume (e.g., a lesser amount) of fluid flow therethroughcompared to the openings 304 provided when the cage 214 is in the firstorientation 602 relative to the valve seat 212. A profile or shape ofthe second openings 442, the projections 434 and/or the passageways 412provide the second flow characteristic 700.

Thus, the valve trim 200 of the illustrated example provides the firstflow characteristic 600 when the when the cage 214 is positioned in thefirst orientation 602 relative to the valve seat 212 and the second flowcharacteristic 700 when the cage 214 is positioned in a secondorientation 702 relative to the valve seat 212 different than the firstorientation 602. In some examples, the valve trim 200 can be configuredto provide a third flow characteristic, a fourth flow characteristic,etc. For example, to provide a third flow characteristic, the cage 214can be positioned in a third orientation relative to the valve seat 212different than the first and second orientations. In the thirdorientation, at least a portion of a respective one of the secondopenings 442 (e.g., half of the projections 434) and at least a portiona respective one of the first openings 440 align with a respective oneof the passageways 412 to provide the third flow characteristics. Inother examples, a number or shape of the second openings 442 and/or thesize and/or shape of the projections 434 can be configured to provide athird flow characteristic different than the first and second fluid flowcharacteristics. In some examples, a number and/or a profile of theprojections 434, the first openings 440, the second openings 442 and/orthe passageways 412 can be configured to provide any other type of flowcharacteristic(s).

FIG. 8A is a cross-sectional, perspective view of the valve body 202 ofFIGS. 1-3. FIG. 8B is a bottom, cross-sectional view of the valve bodytaken alone line 8B-8B of FIG. 3 with the valve trim 200 coupled to thevalve body 202. FIG. 8C is a top, cross-sectional view of the valve body202 of FIGS. 2 and 3 with the valve trim 200 coupled to the valve body202.

Referring to FIGS. 8A-8C, to fix and/or orient a position (e.g., apredetermined position) of the valve seat 212 relative to the valve body202, the valve seat 212 and the valve body 202 include a first key 802(FIG. 8B). The first key 802 locates or positions the valve seat 212relative to the valve body 202 in a predetermined orientation 804. Thefirst key 802 includes a locating tab 806 and the locating slot 450 toreceive the locating tab 806. In the illustrated example, the valve body202 of the illustrated example includes the locating tab 806. Thelocating tab 806 protrudes from an inner wall or surface 808 of thevalve body 202 defining the fluid flow passageway 204. The locating tab806 engages (e.g., is received by) the locating slot 450 of the valveseat 212 to fix a position and/or an orientation of the valve seat 212relative to the valve body 202 in the predetermined orientation 804. Insome examples, the valve seat 212 includes the locating tab 806 and thevalve body 202 includes the locating slot 450. In other words, either ofthe valve seat 212 or the valve body 202 includes the locating tab 806and the other one of the valve seat 212 or the valve body 202 includesthe locating slot 450.

To position the cage 214 in the first orientation 602 (FIG. 6) or thesecond orientation 702 (FIG. 7) relative to the valve seat 212, the cage214 and the valve body 202 define a second key 810. The second key 810includes the orientation tab 452 of the cage 214 and a plurality oforientation slots 812 formed in the valve body 202. The orientationslots 812 are radially spaced relative to a longitudinal axis 814 of thebore 210 (e.g., about a circumference of the bore 210) configured toreceive the cage 214. A number of the orientation slots 812 correspondsto a number of possible flow characteristics of the valve trim 200. Forexample, a first orientation slot 816 formed on the valve body 202corresponds to the first flow characteristic 600 and a secondorientation slot 818 formed on the valve body 202 corresponds to thesecond flow characteristic 700. Thus, the orientation tab 452 ispositioned in engagement or is received by the first orientation slot816 form to position the cage 214 in the first orientation 602 relativeto the valve seat 212 and the orientation tab 452 is positioned inengagement with or is received by the second orientation slot 818 toposition the cage 214 in the second orientation 702 relative to thevalve seat 212. In some examples, the valve body 202 includes a thirdorientation slot to position the cage 214 in a third orientationrelative to the valve seat 212 that is different than the firstorientation 602 and the second orientation 702.

FIG. 9 is a partial cross-sectional, perspective view of the valve body202 and the valve trim 200 when the valve trim 200 is in the firstorientation 602 configured to provide the first flow characteristic 600.In the first orientation 602, respective ones of the first openings 440of the valve seat 212 align with the respective ones of the passageways412 of the cage 214 such that the openings 304 provide a fluid flow path902 providing a linear flow characteristic as the flow control member224 moves between the closed position 228 and the open position 300.

FIG. 10 is a partial cross-sectional, perspective view of the valve body202 and the valve trim 200 when the valve trim 200 is in the secondorientation 702 configured to provide the second flow characteristic700. In the second orientation 702, respective ones of the secondopenings 442 of the valve seat 212 align with the respective ones of thepassageways 412 of the cage 214 such that the openings 704 provide afluid flow path 1002 providing an equal-percentage as the flow controlmember 224 moves between the closed position 228 and the open position300.

FIGS. 11A-11D are schematic illustrations representative of an examplemethod 1100 to configure the valve trim 200 between the first flowcharacteristic 600 and the second flow characteristic 700. Referring toFIG. 11A, the valve trim 200 is positioned to provide the first flowcharacteristic 600. Specifically, the cage 214 is in the firstorientation 602 relative to the valve seat 212, and the valve seat 212is fixed to the valve body 202 in the predetermined orientation 804(e.g., via the first key 802 of FIG. 8B). For example, the locating tab806 (FIG. 8A) of the valve body 202 is positioned in the locating slot450 of the valve seat 212 to fix a position of the valve seat 212relative to the valve body 202. Additionally, the orientation tab 452 ofthe cage 214 is positioned in the first orientation slot 816 (FIG. 8A)of the valve body 202 to position the cage 214 in the first orientation602.

Referring to FIG. 11B, to change or convert the valve trim 200 toprovide the second flow characteristic 700, a user removes the actuator104 (FIG. 1) and the bonnet 106 (FIG. 1) from the valve body 202. Insome examples, the valve stem 226 and the flow control member 224 areremoved. The cage 214 is then moved in a direction 1102 (e.g., an upwarddirection in the orientation of FIG. 11B) away from the valve seat 212to remove or disengage the orientation tab 452 of the cage 214 from thefirst orientation slot 816 of the valve body 202. The valve seat 212 ismaintained in the predetermined orientation 804 via the first key 802.In other words, the valve seat 212 is not removed from the valve body202.

Referring to FIG. 11C, the cage 214 is rotated about the longitudinalaxis 414 of the cage 214 in a rotational direction 1104 (e.g., aclockwise direction in the orientation of FIG. 11C) to move theorientation tab 452 toward the second orientation slot 818 of the valvebody 202. For example, the cage 214 is clocked between 30 degrees and 60degrees (e.g., 45 degrees) to change the orientation of the cage 214relative to the valve seat 212 between the first orientation 602 and thesecond orientation 702.

Referring to FIG. 11D, when the orientation tab 452 is aligned with thesecond orientation slot 818, the cage 214 is moved in a direction 1106(e.g., a downward direction in the orientation of FIG. 11D) toward thevalve seat 212 to position the orientation tab 452 within or intoengagement with the second orientation slot 818 (FIG. 8A) of the valvebody 202. The bonnet 106 and the actuator 104 are attached to the valvebody 202. In some examples, the valve stem 226 and the flow controlmember 224 are positioned in the central bore 406 of the cage 214 priorto attaching the bonnet 106 and the actuator 104 to the valve body 202.Thus, the valve seat 212 does not need to be removed from the valve body202 to change the valve trim 200 between the first flow characteristic600 and the second flow characteristic 700.

FIGS. 12A-12G are various views of the cage 214 of FIGS. 1-7, 8A-8C, 9,10 and 11A-11D. FIGS. 13A-13G are various views of the valve seat 212 ofFIGS. 1-7, 8A-8C, 9, 10 and 11A-11D.

From the foregoing, the valve trim 200 disclosed herein can beconfigured to provide two or more flow characteristics with the same setof trim parts (e.g., the cage 214 and the valve seat 212), therebyreducing manufacturing costs. For example, the valve trim 200 providesdifferent flow characteristic configurations based on an alignment ofthe passageways 412 of the cage 214 and openings (e.g., the first andsecond openings 440, 442) provided by the valve seat 212. For example,the valve trim 200 provides the first flow characteristic 600 when thepassageways 412 align with first openings 440 of the valve seat 212 andprovides the second flow characteristic 700 when the passageways 412 ofthe cage 214 align with the second openings 442. In some such examples,the cage 214 may be positioned relative to the valve seat 212 in a thirdorientation (e.g., corresponding to a third orientation slot of thevalve body 202) to provide a third flow characteristic different thanthe first and second flow characteristics. For example, in the thirdorientation, a first portion (e.g. a first half) of one of thepassageways 412 of the cage 214 aligns with a portion (e.g., a half) ofone of the first openings 440 and a second portion (e.g., a second half)of the one of the passageways 412 aligns with a portion (e.g., a half)of one of the second openings 442. In this manner, respective ones ofthe passageways 412 of the cage 214 align with respective portions(e.g., half portions) of respective ones of the first and secondopenings 440, 442.

In some examples, an example valve seat disclosed herein can include aset of third prongs projecting from the valve seat to provide thirdopenings that have a profile or shape that are different than profilesand shapes of the first and second openings. In some such examples, thecage 214 can be positioned relative to the valve seat in a thirdorientation different than the first and second orientations. In thethird orientation, the passageways 412 of the cage 214 align with thethird openings provided by the set of third prongs of the valve seat toprovide a third flow characteristic different than the first and secondflow characteristics.

In some examples, an example valve trim disclosed herein can beconfigured to provide a plurality of different flow characteristics. Forexample, a valve seat disclosed herein can employ a plurality ofdifferent prongs or projections to define a respective plurality ofdifferent openings. A passageway of the cage can align with a firstopening of the valve seat to provide a first flow characteristic, apassageway of the cage can align with a second opening of the valve seatto provide a second flow characteristic different than the first flowcharacteristic, a passageway of the cage can align with a third openingof the valve seat to provide a third flow characteristic different thanthe first and second fluid flow characteristics, a passageway of thecage can align with a fourth opening of the valve seat to provide afourth flow characteristic different than the first, second and thirdfluid flow characteristics, etc.

In some examples, the passageways of the cage can include a first set ofpassageways having a first shape or profile and a second set ofpassageways having a second shape or profile different than the firstset of passageways. In some such examples, the first set of passagewaysalign with a first set of openings provided by the valve seat to providea first flow characteristic, the second set of passageways of the cagealign with a second set of openings of the valve seat to provide asecond flow characteristic different than the first flow characteristic,the third set of passageways of the cage align with a third set ofopenings of the valve seat to provide a third flow characteristicdifferent than the first and second flow characteristics, etc. In someexamples, a valve seat can be configured with passageways (e.g., thepassageways 412) and a cage can be configured with one or more prongs(e.g., the projections 434) to define first openings (e.g., the firstopenings 440) and second openings (e.g., the second openings 442).

In some examples, a cage and a valve seat can include a plurality ofholes or apertures (e.g., pin holes) that can overlap or align to definea plurality of windows or openings (e.g., the openings 304, 704) thatprovide different flow characteristics. In some such examples, the holesof the cage can be configured to align with the holes of the valve seatin various configures to provide different flow characteristics. Forexample, the cage can be oriented relative to the holes of the valveseat such that the holes of the cage remain fully open to provide afirst flow characteristic, the cage can be oriented relative to theholes of the valve seat such that the holes of the cage are partiallyopen (e.g., 75% open) to provide a second flow characteristic, the cagecan be oriented relative to the holes of the valve seat such that theholes of the cage are partially blocked (e.g., 75% blocked) to provide athird flow characteristic, etc.

In some examples, the fluid valve 102 and/or the valve body 202 providesmeans for defining a fluid flow passageway. In some examples, the valveseat 212, the sealing surface 230 and/or the flow control member 224provide a means for sealing. In some examples, the cage 214 providesmeans for guiding that is positionable relative to the valve seat (e.g.,a means for sealing) between at least one of a first orientation or asecond orientation different from the first orientation. In someexamples, the first key 802 provides first means for fixing the valveseat 212 relative to the valve body 202 in a predetermined orientation.In some examples, the second key 810 provides a second means for fixingthe cage 214 relative to the valve seat 212 or the valve body 202 in thefirst orientation or the second orientation. In some examples, theopenings 304 and/or 704 provide means for characterizing fluid flowcharacteristic. In some examples, the projections 434 provide means forobstructing fluid flow across at least a portion of the passageways 412.In some examples, the passageways 412 and the first openings 440 providemeans for defining a first flow characteristic and the passageways 412and the second openings 442 provide means for defining a second flowcharacteristic. In some examples, the passageways 412 provide means forcharacterizing fluid flow and the projections 434 provide means forobstructing the means for characterizing fluid flow.

Although certain apparatus, methods and articles of manufacture havebeen described herein, the scope of coverage of this patent is notlimited thereto. To the contrary, this patent covers all apparatus,methods and articles of manufacture fairly falling within the scope ofthe appended claims either literally or under the doctrine ofequivalents.

What is claimed is:
 1. A valve trim comprising: a cage defining a body having a bore to receive a valve plug, the cage including a first passageway through a side surface of the body, the first passageway having an axis that is non-parallel relative to a longitudinal axis of the bore; and a valve seat to receive the cage, the valve seat having a first projection defining a first opening, the cage to be positioned relative to the valve seat in a first orientation to align the first opening and the first passageway to provide a first flow characteristic, and the cage to be positioned relative to the valve seat in a second orientation to offset an alignment between the first projection and the first passageway to provide a second flow characteristic different than the first flow characteristic.
 2. The valve trim as defined in claim 1, wherein the bore of the cage at least partially receives the first projection.
 3. The valve trim as defined in claim 1, wherein the first flow characteristic is a linear flow characteristic and the second flow characteristic is an equal-percentage flow characteristic.
 4. The valve trim as defined in claim 1, wherein the first passageway has a non-circular shape.
 5. The valve trim as defined in claim 4, wherein the first passageway includes a first portion having a first width and a second portion have a second width different than the first width such that the first passageway forms a generally T-shaped opening.
 6. The valve trim as defined in claim 1, wherein the cage includes a second passageway radially spaced from the first passageway, and wherein the valve seat includes a second projection radially spaced from the first projection.
 7. The valve trim as defined in claim 6, wherein the first projection is to align with first passageway and the second projection is to align with the second passageway when the cage is in the first orientation relative to the valve seat.
 8. The valve trim as defined in claim 6, wherein the first passageway and the second passageway have identical shapes.
 9. The valve trim as defined in claim 8, wherein the first projection has a first shape and the second projection has a second shape different than the first shape.
 10. A valve trim comprising: a cage having a longitudinal bore to receive a valve stem, the cage including a first passageway having an axis that is non-parallel relative to the longitudinal bore; and a valve seat having a first projection extending in a direction toward the cage, the cage positionable relative to the valve seat between a first position at which the first passageway is partially obstructed by the first projection to provide a first fluid flow characteristic through the first passageway and a second position at which the first passageway is unobstructed to provide a second fluid flow characteristic through the first passageway different than the first fluid flow characteristic.
 11. The valve trim as defined in claim 10, wherein the first projection has a first body having at least one of a Y-shaped or a V-shaped cross-sectional shape taken along a longitudinal plane.
 12. The valve trim as defined in claim 10, wherein the valve seat includes a second projection extending in a direction toward the cage and radially spaced from the first projection.
 13. The valve trim as defined in claim 12, wherein the second projection has at least one of a Y-shape or a V-shape.
 14. The valve trim as defined in claim 13, wherein a space between the first projection and the second projection defines a U-shaped opening.
 15. The valve trim as defined in claim 14, wherein the cage has a second passageway having an axis that is non-parallel relative to the longitudinal bore and radially spaced from the first passageway, the first passageway to align with the first projection and the second passageway to align with the second projection when the cage is in the first position, and wherein the first passageway to align with the space between the first projection and the second projection when the cage is in the second position.
 16. A valve trim comprising: a valve seat structured to be positioned in a fluid flow passageway of a valve body, the valve seat having a projection extending from a seating surface of the valve seat, the projection formed adjacent a circumferential edge of the valve seat and about a portion of a circumference of the valve seat; and a cage structured to be positioned in the valve body, the cage defining a bore formed along a longitudinal axis of the cage and a first opening formed through a side surface of the cage, the cage to slidably receive a valve plug at a first end of the bore and to at least partially receive a portion of the projection of the valve seat at a second end of the bore opposite the first end, the cage being positionable relative to the projection of the valve seat in different orientations to provide different fluid flow characteristics through the fluid flow passageway of the valve body.
 17. The valve trim as defined in claim 16, wherein the projection has a longitudinal length capable of extending across a portion of the first opening.
 18. The valve trim as defined in claim 16, wherein the cage is positionable relative to the valve seat between a first orientation and a second orientation, the cage in the first orientation to cause the projection to partially obstruct the first opening of the cage to define a first passageway between an inlet side of the cage and an outlet side of the cage that provides a first fluid flow characteristic, the cage in the second orientation to prevent the projection from obstructing the first opening to define a second passageway between the inlet side of the cage and the outlet side of the cage having a second fluid flow characteristic different than the first fluid flow characteristic.
 19. The valve trim as defined in claim 16, wherein the projection and the first opening define a first flow path that provides a first fluid flow characteristic when the cage is in a first orientation relative to the valve seat, and wherein the first opening defines a second flow path that provides a second fluid flow characteristic when the cage is in a second orientation relative to the valve seat, the first fluid flow characteristic being different than the second fluid flow characteristic.
 20. The valve trim as defined in claim 19, wherein the projection has a body that defines a first arm spaced from a second arm extending from a base, and wherein the first arm and the second arm define a second opening therebetween, the first opening and the second opening to define the first flow path when the cage is in the first orientation and only the first opening to define the second flow path when the cage is in the second orientation. 